Devon

Man who 'set himself' alight on Devon beach dies

Police in Torbay are appealing for witnesses after a man in his thirties was found on the shoreline of a Paignton beach with serious burns.

Police and paramedics were called to Hollicombe Beach at around 12.40am on Sunday (June 22).

The man was taken to Torbay District Hospital before being transferred to Swansea Burns Unit, where he died from his injuries around 3.30pm the same day.

He is described as white, in his 30s, 5ft 11ins, of slim build, with dark short hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a white motif, blue jeans and light-coloured shoes.

He was possibly in the Preston area of Paignton earlier that evening carrying a petrol container.

Formal identification has not yet taken place and the coroner has been informed.

Anyone who was in the Hollicombe Park or beach area on Sunday night, or who has any information that could assist, is asked to call Detective Sergeant Chris Tapley or Detective Sergeant Andy Penhaligon on 101, quoting reference EN/139079/14.